Volkswagen Transporter

Reliability, estimated running costs, and MOT data across 32 model years from 548,814 MOT tests in 2024.

Avg Pass Rate

76%

Total Tests

548,814

Highest Pass Rate

2020 (89%)

Years Covered

About the Volkswagen Transporter

The Volkswagen Transporter was MOT tested 548,814 times in 2024 (DVSA data, retests included) across 32 model years (1990 to 2021), with an average pass rate of 76%. That's 6 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data, so check the year-by-year data carefully before buying. Our records list diesel and petrol versions.

Best and Worst Years

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2020 model has the highest pass rate at 89% from 1,311 tests. The 1996 model has the lowest at 67%. With a 22 point gap, the year you choose makes a real difference. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger.

Reliability Trend

Newer Volkswagen Transporters pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 11 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Mileage Across Years

The oldest model in our data (1990) averages 131,256 miles, while the newest (2021) averages 38,291 miles. Older models have covered serious mileage, so suspension and drivetrain wear are worth checking.

Compared to the Volkswagen brand average of 85%, the Transporter is 9 points lower, placing it among the less reliable Volkswagen models.

Estimated Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 1968cc)

£1,398

Road Tax

£200

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£2,003

Per month£167/mo

Based on 7,400 miles/year, average pump prices of 174.88p petrol and 199.52p diesel (GOV.UK weekly road fuel prices, week of 5 October 2026), and MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.

Full 2021 details

How reliable is the Volkswagen Transporter?

vs average of all models-6% (82% avg)

vs Volkswagen brand average-9% (85% avg)

Best to worst year spread22 percentage points

Reliability trendImproving over years

Volkswagen Transporter by Year

Click any year to see detailed running costs, reliability data, and comparisons with similar cars.

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2021	89%	129	38,291 mi
2020	89%	1,311	43,632 mi
2019	88%	25,915	55,696 mi
2018	86%	37,535	66,926 mi
2017	85%	38,467	76,077 mi
2016	84%	37,805	87,209 mi
2015	82%	34,503	95,309 mi
2014	81%	30,466	105,350 mi
2013	82%	27,985	115,923 mi
2012	80%	24,759	125,395 mi
2011	79%	23,700	133,523 mi
2010	77%	21,463	140,851 mi
2009	76%	17,431	142,178 mi
2008	75%	25,818	153,577 mi
2007	75%	27,476	161,773 mi
2006	73%	23,355	167,933 mi
2005	72%	20,813	174,693 mi
2004	73%	19,211	180,024 mi
2003	71%	13,745	173,749 mi
2002	69%	12,401	177,596 mi
2001	70%	12,405	176,472 mi
2000	70%	9,140	176,792 mi
1999	70%	12,854	176,887 mi
1998	69%	12,811	173,402 mi
1997	69%	10,120	163,637 mi
1996	67%	8,643	173,387 mi
1995	69%	5,077	166,204 mi
1994	69%	3,632	147,650 mi
1993	69%	2,096	137,070 mi
1992	70%	2,260	140,629 mi
1991	74%	2,007	143,826 mi
1990	73%	3,481	131,256 mi

Questions about the Volkswagen Transporter

Is the Volkswagen Transporter reliable?

Across its 32 model years in our data (1990 to 2021), the Volkswagen Transporter averages a 76% MOT pass rate, from 548,814 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 6 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data. The 2020 model has the highest pass rate of the years with at least 100 tests, at 89%.

Which year Volkswagen Transporter has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2020 Volkswagen Transporter has the highest MOT pass rate at 89%, while the 1996 model has the lowest at 67%, a 22 point gap. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.